Although the relationship between casinos and skill-based games (poker excepted) has been that of vampire and crucifix, Atlantic City casinos are coming around to 
the idea of monetizing Words with Friends, say, for the casino floor. There’s even a “New Jersey First” provision to give the state first dibs on the games. David Rebuck, director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement, even pleaded, “Given the success of our New Jersey First program over the past three years, we have the fastest time to market for electronic gaming equipment anywhere in the country … Bring your innovative skill-based games to New Jersey and we will work with you to get them approved quickly. The approach has at least two things going for it: a “pre-sold” audience that plays the games online and market-tested product, not to mention appeal to millennials — a demographic that finds traditional slots too stodgy for their tastes. But if bringing skill into the casino-game equation is what it takes to reverse New Jersey’s fortunes, it seems the industry is ready to make that leap. (But what about card-counting?)
The skill-based games could also be added to the suite of Internet-gambling offerings, giving that market a much-needed shot in the arm. However this works out, New Jersey is to be applauded for thinking outside the (slot) box.
* Having been tweaked more to Gov. Chris Christie‘s liking (although his approval is not certain), a bill to permit unregulated sports wagering in New Jersey has been voted out of the state senate. Instead, The Independent Sports Wagering Association 
plans to self-regulate under its own strictures “to promote a safe, secure, and reliable sports wagering environment” TISWA promises to “model itself on other highly successful and effective private self-regulatory organizations that have long existed in the financial sector, real estate industry, and in the medical and legal professions.”
Once the bill hits Christie’s desk, he will have six weeks to make up his mind whether to sign it or not. He’s caught between that deadline and one this week to ask U.S. District Court Judge Michael Shipp to enjoin his decision to strike down New Jersey’s existing sports-betting law. If Christie goes ahead, it sets up a heavyweight match between the Garden State, the NCAA and four major-leagues sports. It’s a suicide mission and I’d be surprised if Christie pursues it.
* Anyone who invents a game with no house edge is bound to be nominated for sainthood. So George Georgiopoulos and Gianni Galanis had been start getting themselves fitting for halos.
